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116,750 Pounds Of Venison Donated To Ohioans In Need
Generous Deer Hunters Double Venison Donations.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 116,750 pounds of venison to local food banks through the 2009-10 deer hunting season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 116,750 pounds of venison equals approximately 467,000 meals for Ohioans in need. Last year, FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison throughout the season. A total of 2,336 deer was donated this deer hunting season compared to 1,096 in 2008-09 and 418 in 2007-08.

“With the dedication of FHFH local coordinators and Ohio hunters’ generosity, this deer donation program has grown every year,” said Jim Marshall, assistant chief of the Division of Wildlife. “I expect next year’s donation numbers to be even better.”

The Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the last three years in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A subsidy grant was provided in allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. The division subsidizes this program as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison that is donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are currently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently, there are 30 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the “Local FHFH” page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties that they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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Deer Donation Totals for the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters donated 1,286 deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program during the 2009 hunting season, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). This was a bit higher than the 2008 seasons’ donation total (1,149).

“Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program, many needy West Virginians will receive highly nutritious meals this year,” said Jerry Westfall, Program Coordinator. “The DNR, along with their partners, The Mountaineer Food Bank and The Huntington Area Food Bank, truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters, and acknowledge that, without their help, this program could not exist.”

The DNR is reliant upon venison collection and distribution by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) and Huntington Area Food Bank. Two-pound packages of ground venison have been, and will continue to be, distributed to participating distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions, throughout the state. Although it is too late for non-enrolled centers to receive venison this season (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encourage to enroll now so they may receive venison during the 2010 hunting seasons. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison next season.

“Although the DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Westfall. The DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and is completely dependent upon donations from concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches.

“Without this donated funding, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Westfall.

The DNR accepts monetary donations to the HHH Program year-round. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the HHH Program should go to HHH Web page at: www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771. Those wishing additional information on the HHH Program can contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerry.a.westfall@wv.gov.

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